Study Lights

You've been reading that new suspense thriller, which topped this month's bestsellers list, since morning. You're just unable to put it down even though your eyes are burning in protest! However, you still go on, because no matter what, the story is what you want to be reaching the end of. Many of us like to settle down comfortably in some favorite corner of the house and spend some time or a lot of time reading books or magazines we love. All of us have some reading and writing to do at some point of time in our lives. These two activities tend to put a strain on our eyes. Thus, what is needed is proper lighting to reduce the strain. Adequate desk lighting is a must for students or workers who slog for long hours at their desks. Here are a few pointers about study lights and night study lights and also tips for computer lighting.

Study Lights

Lighting should be bright and must be focus on the area you are working in.

Right-handed individuals should place the light on their left hand side and vice versa. This is to ensure that the shadow of the hand does not fall on the pages.

You should sit upright and read with the material at a distance of about fourteen to eighteen inches away from the eyes.

Ensure that you have adequate illumination for your studies. You can do this by placing reading lamps to ensure that light directly falls on the open pages.

If you make use of floor lamps for reading, it should be placed at 40" to 49" away from the floor. A portable floor lamp is also a nice way of get light for reading purposes.

Avoid using synthetic enamel paint on the walls of your study room. This will prevent the shining paint from having adverse effects on the health of your eyes.

Needless to say, natural lighting is the best for study rooms because this lighting has positive impact on not just your eyes, but your feelings as well.

Night Study Lights

For long nights of studying, one should choose glare-free task lighting.

Recessed lighting increases the amount of lighting. It even provides illumination to the whole study room. You must ensure that the lighting is placed carefully so that it can highlight the complete workspace. This lighting is fixed over the head and shoulders, which helps to avoid blockage of required light.

Using fluorescent bulbs is better than using incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs last longer, save electricity and are now available in a variety of colors. However, you better choose light colors, as they are the best for your eyes.

Use halogen bulbs. Experts consider them to be the best when it comes to illuminating reading material.

Computer Lighting

If you have a bright light staring right into your monitor, you will have difficulty viewing the images on the screen. In order to solve this problem, use light diffusers. This will allow you to perform desk tasks (writing, reading papers) without needing direct brightness on the computer screen. Alternatively, you could try placing rows of lights parallel to the user's line of sight. Try using operator adjustable task/desk lighting. In case diffusers or alternative lights are not available, remove the middle bulbs of 4-bulb fluorescent light fixtures. This will help you reduce the brightness of the light directed onto your monitor.

If you find bright light in your field of view rather irritating, then, you can use blinds or drapes on windows. This will help you to eliminate bright light. Remember to adjust the blinds during the day to allow light into the room; just ensure that it does not fall directly into the your field of view. Also see to it that the lamps you use have glare shields or shades. You must adjust the line of sight from your eye to the light at an angle greater than 30 degrees. A simpler way of doing this would be by reorienting the work-station in such a way that bright lights from open windows are not directly in the field of view. The trick is to use indirect or shielded lighting where possible and to avoid intense or uneven lighting in your field of vision.

In case you are experiencing high contrast between light and dark areas of the computer screen, horizontal work surface, and surrounding areas, you can try well-distributed diffused lights. This will ensure fewer hot spots and glare surfaces in your visual field. Using light, matte colors and finishes on walls and ceilings too can reduce dark shadows and contrast. This will reflect indirect lighting much better.

Follow these tips and you're sure to reduce that itchy and dry feeling in your eyes. Don't strain your eyes; they are much too precious to spoil.